The Settlers of the Stone Age

KOSMOS, 999 Games, Mayfair Games · Board game · 2002
3–4 · best 4 90–120 min Weight 2.5/5
rating Ludopedia
6.6 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 39.20
rating Ludopedia
6.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you love Catan and want a prehistoric twist, you’ll enjoy the mix of routes, trade and tech upgrades.

Highlights
  • Familiar mechanics blend
  • Immersive theme
  • Dynamic trading
Keep in mind
  • Moderate learning curve
  • Long play time
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About the game

What you do in a play session

The Settlers of the Stone Age takes the beloved Catan formula and drops it into the prehistoric era, putting you in charge of a branch of Homo sapiens trying to colonize the globe. The game starts with a handful of resources – meat, hides, bones and flint – and each round you roll dice to determine production on the tiles you control. From there you build routes, trade with neighbors, and invest in technologies such as food preparation, hunting techniques, warm clothing and boats. Each advancement opens new options: food lets your population spread faster, while boats grant access to the lands of Australia and America. The board depicts a stylized world map where the most fertile regions yield more resources but also attract rival players. Trade is essential; swapping scarce raw materials can be the difference between stagnation and a swift march toward victory. The win condition is to be the settler who occupies the most productive lands, masters trade, and reaches the new frontiers first. The game blends dice rolling, network building and negotiation, all wrapped in relatively simple rules (weight 2.5/5) and a playtime of 90‑120 minutes for 3‑4 players. The experience feels like a measured yet strategic exploration, where every choice of expansion or trade matters. If you love Catan but want to feel the thrill of guiding humanity across unknown continents, this title delivers a fun, educational journey without over‑complicating the gameplay.

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–4 players
3 REC
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Game: Catan Series: Catan Histories
Publisher KOSMOS, 999 Games, Mayfair Games, Zvezda
Designer Klaus Teuber
Artist Franz Vohwinkel, Tanja Donner

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

4,102owners
220wishlist
52want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How many players can play?
3 to 4 players.
What is the typical play time?
Usually between 90 and 120 minutes, depending on player experience.
How complex is the game?
BGG weight 2.5/5 – easy to learn, with strategic depth.
What components are included?
World board, population pieces, technology cards, dice, resource markers (meat, hides, bones, flint) and route/road pieces.
Who is this game best for?
Catan fans, history enthusiasts, and players who enjoy trading and network building.

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